Orientation
Orientation
Begins
Orientation is mandatory — and yes, there are swag bags. Both sessions cover the same material, so plan to attend just one.
The same information is presented at both sessions — plan to attend one. Open the full flyer →
A School Built on Community
The meeting opened with an introduction to Lab Academy High, emphasizing its unique structure of operating across two campuses and the commitment to keeping students in a safe, supportive environment. Administration highlighted the importance of community, collaboration, and the shared goal of shaping the school's future together. Parents were encouraged to participate actively — whether through parent-teacher organizations or direct feedback — and the school aims to foster a sense of belonging, friendship, and support among students and families.
- Two campuses with distinct environments
- Strong emphasis on community involvement
- Opportunities for parental engagement
Student Experience, Mentorship & Leadership
The school places a high value on mentorship, leadership, and real-world preparation. Every student will be paired with a mentor, and these relationships will be woven into academics and grading. The program works to match each student with the best mentor for their growth, often around career interests like entrepreneurship, science, music, or cosmetology — though the right pairing won't always be an exact fit, and these are examples rather than a fixed list of offerings. Leadership is cultivated through summer programs, community service, and a culture of representing oneself and the school with pride. Students are encouraged to pursue internships, apprenticeships, and community service to qualify for distinctions like the Pinnacle Honor Roll, which carries added benefits.
- Mandatory mentorship for all students
- Best-fit, interest-based mentor pairing
- Leadership opportunities and community service
Academic Structure & the Flipped Classroom
Lab Academy High is implementing a flipped classroom model, where students engage with instructional content at home and focus on application and collaboration during class time. Remote days are designed for self-managed learning, giving students flexibility and the chance to gain real-world experience through internships, mentor meetings, and other personal development. The school expects a transition period for new students to adapt to this independent learning style, with increased structure and check-ins at the start of the year, and is committed to providing the resources and support to ensure student success.
- Flipped classroom approach: instruction at home, application at school
- Flexible remote days for independent work, internships, and mentor meetings
- Support systems and a gradual transition for new students
Across a decade of studies through 2025, students in flipped classrooms have consistently outscored peers in traditional lecture classes. A 2023 meta-analysis focused specifically on high schools found a significant positive effect on learning outcomes, and a large 2019 review of 114 studies reached the same conclusion — with the biggest gains when class time is spent on hands-on practice and coaching, exactly how we use it. A 2025 review in the Journal of Medical Internet Research adds that flipped students showed both stronger knowledge gains and higher satisfaction.
Sources: Ismaniati et al. (2023), International Journal of Instruction; van Alten et al. (2019), Educational Research Review; Spaić et al. (2025), JMIR.
Technology, Communication & Parent Involvement
Effective communication is a top priority. The school uses the MyPowerHub (PowerSchool) app for regular updates, assignments, and parent communication. Students receive an iPad from the school. Families may choose to purchase their own instead, but any device must be configured by the school for academic use. Administration encourages parents to stay engaged through the app, provide feedback, and attend mandatory orientations. Over-communication is preferred so everyone stays informed, and additional support is available for technical issues or PowerSchool registration questions.
- MyPowerHub app for communication and updates
- Device policy: the school must configure student iPads
- Mandatory orientation sessions (with swag bags)
Important Dates & Next Steps
Several key dates were announced, including the mandatory parent orientation and the first day of school. Orientation details are confirmed in the flyer above, and administration will continue to send reminders. Parents are reminded to complete PowerSchool registration and ensure their contact information is up to date. The school will continue to provide updates and support through meetings and direct communication channels.
- Meet the Teacher & Parent Orientation: July 21 or July 22
- First Day of School: August 3
- PowerSchool registration and contact updates required
Questions & Answers
Traveling between campuses? There’s no day-to-day travel between campuses — students remain at their designated campus. The transportation logistics being worked out are for trips and events.
iPads? Students receive an iPad from the school. If your family prefers to buy your own, the school must install the required software for academic use.
How do remote days work? Students have flexibility to manage their own time and assignments on remote days, with oversight to ensure participation and completion.
Where do I get updates? MyPowerHub is the primary platform for updates, assignments, and parent communication.
Need help? The school is committed to over-communicating and providing assistance for any technology or registration issues. Additional questions covered orientation logistics, device management, and how to join ongoing feedback and community highlights.
Closing Remarks & Community Engagement
The meeting closed with excitement and gratitude from the administration. Parents were encouraged to stay involved, reach out with any questions, and join upcoming meetings and orientation sessions. The school hopes to highlight founding families and students through interviews and photos — and there were lighthearted moments with gift-card giveaways and mascot introductions. Thank you to all families for their participation and support as Lab Academy High begins this new journey.
- Open invitation for feedback and involvement
- Contact info@thelabmemphis.org for questions or support
- Opportunities for community recognition and engagement
Your Next Steps
Have a question?
Anything on your mind — transportation, devices, remote days, registration — drop it here and our team will follow up directly. No question is too small.
Ask a Question →Shape your student's year.
Two minutes now helps us match your student to the right mentor, clubs, and activities — and tells us what to plan for this fall. Your answers directly shape their experience.
Take the Survey →Complete your PowerSchool registration Confirm your contact information is current RSVP and attend your campus orientation Submit the Parent Inquiry & Activities surveys